Driving, driving for days
and each road I pass
each truck horn blast
that catches my glazing eyes
saves me from that terrible sleep.

In the distance the cities looks like
a million fireflies flickering in the night sky.
Home is always on the other side
of those flashing lights,
so I pass another exit sign
wishing it was mine.

The music repeats as I shift in my seat.
Scratching myself.
Uncomfortably shaking,
till I find the perfect spot.
Iron bar eyes flutter.
One blink, two blinks
three blinks, four blinks,

The car shakes as it hits
that outside lane
bouncing with those
safety indentions
and I am awake again.

One more energy pill,
one more caffeine drink,
one more bathroom break
washing my face in a gas stop sink.
The cold water refreshes me
temporarily.

A frontage lane to change it up,
familiar foliage and a country road
that I know
takes me past an old folks home
were frail lonely faces watch me
passing through their city.

Hours later I make it back.
The final wave hits,
as exhaustion attacks.
One knockout punch
and I am K.O.d;
Alive and grateful
to finally be home.